Sedona & Oak Creek Travel Guide

The Sedona-Oak Creek Travel Guide is a resource for those planning to tour the famed red rock country of northern Arizona. This guide includes coverage of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott, and the Verde Valley including the historic town of Jerome. The area features diverse outdoor recreation, spectacular sightseeing, shopping and culture, Indian ruins, historic sites, even wine tasting.

(Right: Jerome, Arizona, on Cleopatra Hill)

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any purple KEY item or place name on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the box for a link to detailed information. For easiest use, scroll map to top. Detailed Sedona, Oak Creek, & Verde Valley Map in separate window. (Index at bottom of this page.)

Verde Valley & Jerome, Arizona - Attractions

The Verde Valley follows the Verde River, one of Arizona's major rivers, between the mountainous regions of Sedona and Oak Creek to the east, in the Coconino National Forest, and the mountains of Jerome and Prescott to the west, in the Prescott National Forest. The major towns in the valley are Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale. Jerome which overlooks the valley is only a few miles from Clarkdale and is included in this section of the guide.

The fertile valley has encouraged human habitation for millenia. Remnants of the ancient pueblos and cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people can be found at several sites in the valley, including the famous Montezuma Castle. More recent 19th century history can be found at Fort Verde and Jerome State Historic Parks. The historic mountaintop mining town of Jerome also offers a fascinating historical perspective.

Verde Valley also has a fledging wine industry, generally centered in the vicinity of the town of Cornville. Several are open daily for tasting. These very small vineyards offer the visitor a pleasant and intimate experience.

There are several other notable experiences available in Verde Valley, including Dead Horse Ranch State Park, the excellent Verde Canyon Scenic Railroad, the Blazing M Ranch, and Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Verde Valley Visitor Services  |   Verde Valley Attractions  |   Indian Ruins/Cultural Sites

Things to See and Do

Historic Sites

 Fort Verde State Historic Park. The fort was originally founded as part of Camp Lincoln in 1866 to defend pioneers against Apache raids. It remained active through the Indian wars until 1890. Four restored structures with their furnishings represent 19th century life at the fort. Pioneer, Native American, and military artifacts are on display. Small fee. Off of AZ-260 just east of Camp Verde.

 Jerome State Historic Park. The park features the Douglas mansion, a Jerome landmark since 1916. Douglas was the owner of the Little Daisy copper mine from 1912 to 1935 and built the mansion just above the mine. The park also displays antique mining equipment. Excellent views of the Verde Valley from the parking area. There are good views of Jerome from the park entrance. Located on Douglas Road off of AZ-89a just below the town.

Jerome

 Town of Jerome (Chamber of Commerce). As early as 1582 Spanish missionaries reported natives mining copper in the same locations of the latter day mines. Jerome's modern history began with its first copper claims in 1876. These eventually grew to two bonanza mines, and Jerome became a mining boomtown. Production peaked in 1929, and all mining ceased by 1953.

The town which is on five levels on a steep hillside dwindled from a peak population of 15,000 to a few hundred and became a decrepit semi-ghost town. In modern times, Jerome has made a comeback as an artist colony and tourist attraction. It now features numerous art galleries, small specialty shops, classic hotels (photo, right, the Connor Hotel built in 1898), bed and breakfasts, and funky restaurants such as Belgium Jennie's Bordello Bistro & Pizzeria. Many of the businesses reside in buildings that are refurbished saloons and brothels. (See food and lodging listings in the Verde Valley Visitor Services section.)

 Mine Museum. The museum depicts the history of Jerome with mining artifacts and equipment. Run by the Jerome Historical Society.

 Jerome Art Galleries. The galleries are quite eclectic ranging from Southwest landscape photography to paintings and drawings, fine art, jewelry, various crafts, and more.

 Jerome Saturday Artwalk. On the first Saturday of each month, numerous galleries and businesses stay open from 5-8pm creating a party-like atmosphere throughout the town.

 Gold King Mine & Ghost Town. On the site of what was once Haynes, Arizona, in 1890. Miners in search of more copper discovered gold here. The site is now a funky, privately owned museum with an assortment of antique equipment, an authentic mineshaft, petting animals and more. Phone 602-634-0053 for information.

Wineries and Wine Tasting

 Page Springs Vineyards & Cellars. Features premium wines. Wine tasting and fruit and cheese platters available for purchase. Seating available on outdoor patio at shaded tables overlooking vineyards. On Page Springs road north of Cornville. Open daily.

 Alcantara Vineyards. Features estate-grown premium wines with a Tuscany style. Open daily for wine tasting. Off of AZ-260 between Camp Verde and Cottonwood.

 San Dominique Winery. Funky winery featuring less expensive and novelty wines as well as garlic and other unusual products. Open daily for tasting. Off of I-17, exit #287, between Cordes Junction and Camp Verde.

 Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery. On Echo Canyon Road north of Cornville.

 Oak Creek Vineyards. Open daily for tasting. On Page Springs road north of Cornville.

 Javalina Leap Vineyard. On Page Springs road north of Cornville.

 Jerome Winery. Feature over 30 handcrafted, premium wines in downtown Jerome. Open daily except Monday for tasting.

 Caduceus Cellars. Owned by rock star, Maynard James Keenan. Premium Wines, downtown Jerome.

Other Attractions

 Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Features a six mile riparian section along the Verde River, known as the Verde River Greenway. The unique ecosystem is heavily wooded in willow and cottonwood, and is rich in wildlife. A network of short, easy trails ideal for hiking and biking. Some suitable for equestrian use. Campground with hookups. Ranger-led hikes except in summer. Located outside of Cottonwood; access via North 10th Street.

 Verde Canyon Scenic Railroad. Tourist railroad provides four hour trips through a remote and spectacular section of Verde Canyon. Passengers travel on renovated passenger coaches or open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives. Special events throughout the year. Depot is in Clarkdale.

 Blazin' M Ranch. Re-created western town featuring chuckwagon dinners and a live western stage show. Also, several western-related shops. Located in Cottonwood.

 Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Wildlife preserve featuring safari style tours and an educational tram ride. Located three miles west of Camp Verde, off of AZ-260.

 Mingus Mountain Recreation Area. May to October. Features a wooded campground near peak of Mingus Mountain, scenic panorama views of Verde Valley, and access to trail system. Relatively cool summer temperatures at 7,500 feet elevation. Off of AZ-89a, 19 miles west of AZ-89, then south on FR104. Close to Jerome.

Verde Valley Visitor Services  |   Verde Valley Attractions  |   Indian Ruins/Cultural Sites

Sedona & Oak Creek Travel Guide Index

• Introduction & Index to
  Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, Prescott
  
  
• Sedona, Arizona
  • Visitor Services
  • Outdoor Attractions
  • Cultural Attractions/Shopping
  • Guided Recreational Activities
  
  
• Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
  
  
• Verde Valley & Jerome, Arizona
  • Visitor Services
  • Attractions
  • Indian Ruins / Cultural Sites
  
  
• Prescott, Arizona
• Camping in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott
• Lodging & Travel Services in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott
  
  
• Northern Arizona Travel Guide
• Grand Canyon Area Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide